No one bothered to mention....This is a female related whine, guys feel free to ignore it

Hi all, I am going to post a little whine here. Wednesday I went back to the Dr for what I thought was a continuing UTI situation. I have been 3 times now. The first time was mid February when we got back from Hawaii. I was given 3 days of a low level antibiotic and sent on my way with a diagnosis of a UTI. Things improved and then BAM! About 3 weeks ago, it came back with a vengeance. So back to the Dr. Oh and I forgot to mention I could not get in to see any of my usual Drs so I was seeing Urgent Care Drs. Again, I was told I had a UTI and sent home this time with a stronger antibiotic and told all should be well. Things again cleared up and then earlier this week, the inflamation started all over again. Seriously??? So can I get in to see any of my regular Drs? Of course not, the earliest appointment was 3 weeks out. It really wouldn't wait. I told them I didn't want to go back to Urgent Care again and to find me someone. They made me an appointment with a rotating Dr in my clinic. FINALLY I got some answers. 

Yes I did have a UTI the first 2 times, but it was cleared up and there was no sign of it any longer. I also showed clear of the lovely female post antibiotic gift (all you ladies know what I mean). So I asked her what was going on? Why did I still feel symptomatic? Of course I was scared that it was a cancer recurrence. More then scared. Nearly frozen with fear. 

She did a female exam and then spent some considerable time talking with me. When I had my last abdominal surgery for my recurrence, the surgeon (with my approval) took out all my female parts. He said that at 58 I didn't need them and while they weren't effected, they were cancer magnets. Of course I was and still am willing to let them take anything I don't need if it gives me better odds. but no one told me there would most likely be follow up issues. Things I needed to watch for and be aware of.  Of course going through chemo, one feels pretty punk and is focusing on getting through it, but then, well, months later, it took 3 Drs and 2 UTI's that exasperated the issue, to finally share with me what was going on. 

It seems at 58 even though I had probably already completed or nearly completed menopause, removing the organs took away any last traces of hormones I had. Then coupled with the chemo, which can also have an impact on female hormones, I have been left with some pretty powerful female symptoms to deal with, many that increase getting UTI's. and have similar symptoms, pain, swelling redness, etc. The Dr counseled me that with my history of cancer I am not a candidate for hormones. She has prescribed a treatment plan and hopefully it will help calm things down a bit. 

I would not change anything, the surgery or the chemo. I am alive because of both of them. But I am a bit testy you might say, over the fact that through all the Dr visits and months and months of treatment, no one managed to say, Oh by the way, since we did this, you might want to be aware you may have symptoms like this. It was never discussed. So I had to find out after weeks and weeks of panic, fear and worry. I am so very grateful for this last Dr. She gave me her time and counsel and some peace of mind. I slept well the night after my appointment with her. 

I guess I am venting about this because when we are fighting for our life, it is hard to advocate for ourselves and things move so fast it is hard to know what to ask sometimes. But it is important to make sure we know what is important to our recovery. Not just the BIG stuff, but these other things as well. 

OK, I am done whining now. Thanks all for listening....

MAlice